Geology. noting or pertaining to a period of the Paleozoic Era, occurring from 570 million to 500 million years ago, when algae and marine invertebrates were the predominant form of life.
2.
of or pertaining to Cambria; Welsh.
–noun
3.
Geology. the Cambrian Period or System.
4.
a native of Cambria; Welshman.
Origin: 1580–90; < ML Cambri(a) Wales, Latinization of MWelsh Cymry Wales, lit. Welshmen (see Cymry) + -an
Of or belonging to the geologic time, system of rocks, or sedimentary deposits of the first period of the Paleozoic Era, characterized by desert land areas, warm seas, and rapid early diversification of marine life resulting in the rise of almost all modern animal phyla. See Table at geologic time.
n.
A Welshman or Welshwoman.
The Cambrian Period.
[From Medieval Latin Cambria, Wales, alteration of Cumbria from Welsh Cymry. Adj., sense 2, and n., sense 2, after Cambria.]
Cambrian (kām'brē-ən, kām'-) Pronunciation Key
The first period of the Paleozoic Era, from about 540 to 505 million years ago. During this time warm seas and desert land areas were widespread, and animal life diversified rapidly during what is known as the Cambrian Explosion. See Chart at geologic time.
[kam-bree-uh
n] 